"
"He won't be the only one, either," said Milburn. "Take
my word for it, they'll be dead sick and sorry over this
imperial craze in a year's time, every Government that's
taken it up. The people won't have it. The Empire looks
nice on the map, but when it comes to practical politics
their bread and butter's in the home industries. There's
a great principle at stake, Winter; I must say I envy
you standing up for it under such favourable conditions.
Liberals like Young and Windle may talk big, but when it
comes to the ballot-box you'll have the whole manufacturing
interest of the place behind you, and nobody the wiser.
It's a great thing to carry the standard on an issue
above and beyond party politics--it's a purer air, my
boy."
Walter Winter's nod confirmed the sagacity of this, and
appreciated the highmindedness. It was a parting nod; Mr
Winter had too much on hand that morning to waste time
upon Octavius Milburn; but it was full of the qualities
that ensure the success of a man's relation with his
fellows. Consideration was in it, and understanding, and
that kind of geniality that offers itself on a plain
business footing, a commercial heartiness that has no
nonsense about it. He had half a dozen casual chats like
this with Mr Milburn on his way up Main Street, and his
manner expanded in cordiality and respect with each, as
if his growing confidence in himself increased his
confidence in his fellow-men.
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